ABS Family, Household and Income Unit Variables are used in ABS surveys and the Census of Population and Housing to produce an accurate statistical picture of the structures of Australian families. These variables provide definitions of concepts, methods of data collection, derivation procedures and output formats for use in all relevant ABS and external statistical collections. The variables are underpinned by a consistent definition of the family, which is sufficiently comprehensive to inform debate and sufficiently robust to be useful in a variety of statistical research applications.

The ABS Family, Household and Income Unit Variables underwent a minor review in 2012-13. No major changes were made to the standards as a result of this process.